Thinking About A Mini Mac

[wolfpackfan]

I am thinking seriously about purchasing a Mini - the 1.66/512MB model. I'd love to hear from anyone else who has this model as to it's performance. My uses will be very simple - email, web browsing plus I want to use iWeb to develop a simple website for my daughter's 4th grade class (she is the teacher). I've played around with the Mini at my local Apple store a lot and like what I see. I am retired now, but when I was working I was systems manager in control of a number of PC's, servers, etc. I am very familiar with Unix and that is what is attracting me to the Mac. Right now I have a Compaq laptop (which I will keep after I get the Mini) for the occasional use when we travel. But for everyday use I am attracted to the Mini. I don't want to put a lot of money into this though, that's why I am looking at the low end model (plus the printer rebate is real attractive to me right now because I need a new printer). I guess my thinking is if the 1.66/512 model is sluggish, I can add memory later. But I would love to hear from others who might do similar stuff to me as to how good this model performs. Thanks.

Oh one more question - is it safe to assume that Leopard will run on the Mini when it is released?

 

[Mac599]

I just got the same one but I put a gig of ram in mine but it will do just fine if thats all you have plan to do.

 

[Cabbit]

i have the low end mini i have 1.25 GB ram in it with a 19 inch wide screen, its a very quick little computer but needs 1GB ram to really shine. Remember to bring your own keyboard mouse and screen as it dosnt come with any this brings the mini upto about 550 pounds witch is still a bargain.

 

[brad.c]

I bought that config as a refurb, which is a nice way to save the cash. I intend for it to replace my G4 web server in the basement, as well as a new media server in the living room.

I haven't upgraded the RAM yet--there are noticeable lag times when using Front Row (opening support apps), but it does do what I want it to.

If you can, upgrade the RAM right away, but if you want to wait and save up for the upgrade, you can hobble along until then.

 

[Scannall]

It should work fine for its intended use. I'd get at least 1 gig of ram though. Also, your daughter can get it a little cheaper through the Education store.

 

[wolfpackfan]

I bought that config as a refurb, which is a nice way to save the cash. I intend for it to replace my G4 web server in the basement, as well as a new media server in the living room.

Hum, I hadn't thought about getting a refurb. I'll go check there and see what I can find. If I do buy new, I'll probably go ahead and buy with 1GB already in it. I thought about using my daughter's Education discount, but she has been talking about getting a MacBook herself, and would want to use her discount for that. Plus the Education discount on the Mini really wasn't very much.

Back already - no Mini Macs listed under refurb. There was an iMac though for $799 (regular $999).

 

[munckee]

I thought about using my daughter's Education discount, but she has been talking about getting a MacBook herself, and would want to use her discount for that. Plus the Education discount on the Mini really wasn't very much.

I can't seem to find the legal page quickly, but I'm pretty certain that she could purchase both on her edu discount. I think it allows for 1xlaptop and 1xdesktop per year.

EDIT: Here ya go:

PURCHASE QUANTITY
Faculty, Staff and Students purchasing from the Apple Store for Education Individuals will be allowed to purchase the following quantities of product per academic school year:

1. Desktop: One (1) may be purchased per academic year
2. Mac mini: One (1) may be purchased per academic year
3. Notebook: One (1) may be purchased per academic year
4. Display: A maximum of two (2) may be purchased per academic year
5. Software: A maximum of two (2) per software title may be purchased per academic year
6. Apple TV: There is no limit on the quantity of Apple TV purchases per academic year
7. iPod: There is no limit on the quantity of iPod purchases per academic year

 

[brad.c]

Hum, I hadn't thought about getting a refurb. I'll go check there and see what I can find. If I do buy new, I'll probably go ahead and buy with 1GB already in it. I thought about using my daughter's Education discount, but she has been talking about getting a MacBook herself, and would want to use her discount for that. Plus the Education discount on the Mini really wasn't very much.

Back already - no Mini Macs listed under refurb. There was an iMac though for $799 (regular $999).

Keep checking the refurb page, ideally early morning. It took me two weeks to see one pop up after I made the purchase decision. Once found, there didn't seem to be an option to upgrade RAM, so you are forced to go the (cheaper) third party route.

 

[zap2]

I've got a 1.66Ghz Mac Mini with 80GB harddrive, and 1.25Gb of RAM. Runs great for iTunes, Pages/Word, Web Browsing, heck Windows run pretty well on it!


I think its more then enough for what you want to do...you might want to look into more RAM. Help that baby FLY!